When you hear the words brace for impact — it’s never anything good.
This post is quite different from my normal “let’s talk dogs” post. It’s a reflection of my last 24 hours — and quite possibly my life.
A Week of Friends and Laughter
I’ve spent the past week in the beautiful city of Savannah, GA with my dearest friends. The week came to a close on Friday.
We packed up our things and headed to the airport, just like we’ve done so many times before.
However, that day would be like no other day before.
We boarded our first flight to Charlotte, NC, and off we went, laughing and reminiscing about our week.
The weather was beautiful — unlike the flight down, which had been turbulent and stormy.
Now, we sat in the concourse of the Charlotte International Airport, awaiting our fate.
Time came to board again, and we found our seats quickly. It was a small 50-seater plane, but we’d flown this type before.
We were headed to the small regional airport in Evansville, Indiana — just a short hour’s drive from my home.
A Flight to Remember
The flight was a little over two hours, and we were settled in nicely — until 4:20.
I remember the distinct smell of something burning — something electrical.
It felt as if the heat had been turned on; I could feel the warmth on my feet.
For a brief second, I thought I had accidentally switched my overhead control to heat.
But then the scramble began.
Our lone flight attendant began frantically moving the front six rows of passengers to the other side of the plane.
She quickly shut all the window shutters on the left side.
The smell became stronger.
The next thing I remember:
Hearing the words — remove eyeglasses, put everything under your seats, there may be more than one impact, brace, head down on your lap, EMERGENCY LANDING!
I just stared out the window at the clouds that, moments ago, had looked so beautiful — but now seemed to seal our fate.
Waiting
It’s an odd feeling, waiting for death.
I was helpless — but not hopeless.
I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that the Maker of the clouds was in charge.
I must have uttered “God is in control” a thousand times.
Even in that uncertainty and fear, I heard so many prayers.
I saw strangers holding hands and praying together.
Where two or more are gathered, there I shall be also.
I truly believe there were 40 prayers lifted up in unison yesterday and He heard each and every one.
Our wonderful flight attendant — alone because of the plane’s small size — bravely walked the aisle, helping passengers stow belongings and calming the panic that rippled through the plane.
She stood at the front and calmly, though with a slight shake, read the emergency instructions to the now utterly focused group.
I kept thinking:
I sure wish I had listened to those boring pre-flight instructions.
Now, knowing where the exits were and how to use the oxygen mask felt vital.
Finally, the captain spoke.
He calmly announced that we were making an emergency landing at the nearest airport: Louisville, Kentucky.
He didn’t say how far away we were — but in my mind, it was hundreds of miles as we slowly began our descent.
All ears were attuned to the sound of the landing gear dropping.
The ground climbed up to meet us.
And finally — after 20 minutes of chaos, fear, and desperate prayer — we touched down.
The Landing
It was like a movie scene:
No other planes moving.
All flights stopped.
Firetrucks, police cars, and rescue vehicles with sirens blaring raced toward us.
The plane finally came to a rest.
Silence filled the cabin.
For the 37 passengers and 3 crew members, the tarmac of the Louisville International Airport had never looked so good.
Our pilot and first officer landed the plane safely.
The smoke had dissipated.
By the grace of God, there were no visible flames.
They quickly moved everyone off the plane and into the terminal.
As I walked down the aisle, I stopped to thank the flight attendant, the pilot, and the co-pilot.
All I could think about were all the pins and signs that say:
“God is my co-pilot.”
I can 100% say that on April 25, 2025 — He truly was.
Reflection
Like I said, this post isn’t about dogs — it’s about life.
In a moment, everything can change.
We are all just one phone call, one accident, one plane ride away from a totally different life.
I sit here this morning, surrounded by all my dogs snuggled around me.
I am so thankful:
— For the wisdom of a brave pilot and co-pilot who brought us safely home.
— For the calm, smiling flight attendant who made us believe it was going to be okay.
— For the strangers who joined hands in prayer.
— For my dearest friends, who talked each other through it all.
Today is another day.
Same routine.
Same chores.
But today — everything feels just a little bit sweeter.
Thank You
Today is also the best day to say thank you to you —
Thank you for your support and encouragement as I build this next step in my life.
I appreciate every comment, every share, and every time you read my blog.
Thank you for walking with me through this thing called life.
God Bless Each of You.
